Saginaw Bay Fishing Report 07/02/2015

07/02/2015

The walleye bite is ON!

Saginaw Bay most of the success for walleye came at mid-week, with boats going way out-, four to five miles north and east of Buoys 1 & 2. Some walleye action was reported near Sailboat Buoy A and also in 12 feet of water off Bay City State Park. Both harnesses and spoons were catching fish. Smith Park is open to shore fishing again after major renovations, and shore anglers there were catching drum, catfish, a few bass and walleye.

Saginaw River during the windy part of the week, most anglers were not brave enough to ride the waves so they trolled in the lower Saginaw River and picked up a few walleye on harnesses.

Quanicassee River the east side of the bay was lightly fished last week. Shore anglers fishing the Quanicassee took some bluegills and sunfish on worms.

Sanford Lake bluegill and crappie fishing remained pretty good on worms and crappies on minnows or tiny jigs. Two bass tournaments last week had generally good catches.

Au Gres Area Is generally getting good catches of walleye all over the place in 25 to 45 feet of water. Crawler harnesses are producing best. There was a big mayfly hatch off Au Gres late last week that may have suppressed the bite somewhat. Lots of catfish and drum and a few perch taken incidental to walleye. Also, a few boats went to the Charities after bass and did very well on smallmouth with catch & release. Limit catches of walleye were taken in 30 to 45 feet of water straight out or to the south towards the shipping channel when using crawler harnesses.

Outer Saginaw Bay:

Bay Port and Caseville Area Trollers fishing after walleye were going to the area north of the shipping channel; some got a few fish and a couple of boats got limits.

Port Austin and Grindstone City Area The cold water temperature is slowing walleye fishing at Port Austin and Grindstone City. Lake trout fishing was excellent off the tip of the thumb 10 days ago, but the wind has kept everyone ashore since.

Oscoda lake trout are in the area in good numbers and anglers are having pleasing success. Fish in 90 to 150 feet of water, from the bottom to about two thirds up the water column. Spoons have been working the best but try a variety of baits with flashers as an attractant. Walleye fishing has been slow in and out of the river. Crawlers and body baits have been working the best. Catfish have started to show up in good numbers with late evening and early morning being the best times. Crawlers and minnows have produced the most catches.

Tawas Area not a lot of fishing effort in Tawas Bay proper last week. A few walleye were taken from 35 to 50 feet of water off the end of Tawas Point and down toward Alabaster in 25 to 30 feet of water. Pier angling is limited to a few smallmouth bass. The Tawas River is slow, producing just a few smallmouth bass and catfish.

Weekly Fishing Tip: Fishing for a piece of “history”

Lake sturgeon

Lake sturgeon are one of Michigan’s most culturally and historically significant fish species. But many people don’t know much about these living dinosaurs!

The DNR has a section of their website dedicated to all things lake sturgeon. The page includes their background, their history, angling information, partnership efforts to manage this species, videos and photos and much more. Visit michigan.gov/sturgeon to learn all about this unique fish.

Interested in fishing for lake sturgeon? Although limited, there are opportunities available. In fact, hook-and-line possession seasons will open on Thursday, July 16 on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and Otsego Lake in Otsego County. Please note there are strict regulations and size restrictions attached to fishing for lake sturgeon and a Lake Sturgeon Fishing Permit and Harvest Tag is required to participate.

Revenue from fishing and hunting license sales supports DNR activities to enhance Michigan’s natural resources. These license sales also increase federal revenue to the State of Michigan for the management of these resources. Please help support Michigan’s abundant natural resources by purchasing a fishing and hunting license each year.

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